Sažetak sa skupa
https://doi.org/10.21857/ypn4oc4189
Early habilitation in cerebral palsy and the role of robotic-assisted therapy
Ivana Kern
; Special Hospital for Children with Neurodevelopmental and Motor Disorders, Zagreb, Croatia, https://orcid.org/0000-0003- 0411-9394
Ana Katušić
; Early Motor Behaviour Research Lab, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences University of Zagreb, Croatia, https:// orcid.org/0000-0002-7648-131X, ana.katusic@erf.unizg.hr,
Sažetak
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disorder in childhood. In the last decade, major
breakthroughs have been made in the early diagnosis, prevention, and intervention of CP, changing its
incidence and prognosis, as well as the response to intervention. Severe motor impairments leading to
immobility are becoming less common, meaning that more children than ever before can walk. The
reduction in the incidence and severity of the clinical picture of CP is likely a result of a combination
of extensive interventions during childbirth and neonatal intensive care, as well as early intervention
programs during the period of greatest brain plasticity.
One of the key components of early habilitation is effective early diagnosis, which facilitates timely access
to therapeutic interventions. Identifying children who may be at risk for CP involves standardized
assessments and clinical criteria that effectively categorize their risks (McNamara et al., 2021). Delays
in diagnosis often lead to missed opportunities for intervention, contributing to poorer long-term
functional outcomes. In recent years, the body of evidence on early intervention in CP has continued
to expand rapidly, providing professionals and families with the possibility of newer, safer, and more
effective interventions. For instance, interventions initiated in infancy have been shown to leverage the
peak neuroplasticity period, enabling children to achieve better motor and cognitive function (Li et al.,
2023; Kwong et al., 2018).
Research supports the effectiveness of therapies that focus on promoting proper movement patterns and
improving muscle control, such as robotic-assisted therapy. Robotic-assisted therapy has emerged as a
promising intervention for children with CP, focusing primarily on enhancing gait and upper limb function.
These therapies leverage advancements in robotics to provide structured and measurable rehabilitation
that can be precisely tailored to individual patient needs. Particularly, robotic-assisted gait training
has demonstrated beneficial effects by allowing children with CP to engage in repetitive movement patterns
that improve gross motor function. Unlike traditional therapies, robotic therapy allows for training
in much higher doses (performing a larger number of required movements) and higher intensity (number
of movements per unit of time). This dosage per unit of time is considered a key factor in habilitation.
This method can also provide objective measures for assessing treatment outcomes. A meta-analysis has
confirmed that robotic gait training leads to significant improvements in mobility, indicating the effectiveness
of these interventions in promoting locomotor skills (Conner et al., 2022). Further evidence
suggests that robotic systems can help overcome specific deficits associated with CP, such as balance and
endurance challenges, by enabling task-specific practice in a controlled and motivating environment.
Additionally, interventions such as Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) are increasingly
integrated with robotic systems. CIMT encourages intensive use of the affected limb by constraining
the unaffected one, fostering functional improvements. With robotic systems adopting CIMT
principles, children’s engagement in task-specific training can enhance their manual abilities in daily
life (Faccioli et al., 2023). In conclusion, robotic-assisted therapy presents a valuable addition to the treatment landscape for
children with CP, offering prospects for enhanced mobility, engagement, and measurable outcomes.
Continued integration of these technologies into habilitation practices could shape the future of pediatric
therapy for individuals affected by CP.
Ključne riječi
early intervention, cerebral palsy, robotic-assisted therapy
Hrčak ID:
333474
URI
Datum izdavanja:
25.6.2025.
Posjeta: 445 *